Since his debut in 1969, Brooklyn-born, African-American/Puerto Rican vocalist/songwriter Garland Jeffreys has been hard to define: Is he a racial protest singer who likes reggae, or a rocker who likes the darker shade of the black-born blues?

The 11-piece follow in the groundwork laid by issues-minded Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. And like Kuti, Antibalas make sure their salty-sweet potpourri of big horns and bigger rhythms frequently has something to say.

Drawing influence from such compelling female singer-songwriters as Joni Mitchell and Lauryn Hill, Sandé’s music brings a much-needed touch of sincerity to a genre that seems to be growing increasingly shallow.

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PW Style

It’s totally possible that Michael Sam’s slowly but surely making queer people sports fans: learning rules, checking scores, researching his draft prospects, etc. But this week is his week (we’re hoping) to be the first openly gay NFL player drafted into the league. It’s pretty thrilling, actually, on par with Jason Collins’ openness and barrier [...]

PW Style

Alexander Peters, above, photographed by Alexander Iziliaev for Pennsylvania Ballet.
The Pennsylvania Ballet is currently staging “Director’s Choice,” three distinct pieces: “After The Rain,” The Accidental” and “Grieg: Piano Concerto.” They’re striking and beautiful, and only the third resembles a truly grand and formal (PA) ballet. Maintaining their status as the premiere company in the [...]

PW Style

That’s the Queen Freedia herself up there, looking totally sickening and ready to tackle her largest audience yet with upcoming Just Be Free. There are more than a handful of juicy upcoming releases that we can look forward to before summer even hits, and we broke em’ down by release week for you. Our bets [...]